Ayers/Saint/Gross believes sustainability is about building smart and responsibly. That means maximizing the effectiveness of dollars and natural sources by considering the project's long-term ramifications and life cycle costs. It also means recognizing that no design or planning initiative exists in a vacuum. New projects should facilitate the institution's mission, respect the campus history and context, and help build a sense of community.

All sustainable projects begin with five premises:

• Think about the long-term effects of our decisions today.
• Balance the needs of people, ecological systems, and economic realities.
• The process is as important as the product.
• Use finite resources wisely: Build in a thoughtful manner, respect the responsible capacity of the land, specify ecologically responsible design elements.
• In physical planning terms, the three C's (Connected, Compact, and Coherent) create lively, efficient, beautiful, and well-loved campuses.